Tyntesfield


Formerly the home of the Gibbs family, Tyntesfield was purchased by the National Trust in 2002. A fairy-tale mansion bristling with pinnacles and turrets, brimful of sweeping staircases and cavernous, antique-filled rooms, the house gives an insight into the lavish lives once enjoyed by England's wealthiest families. Entry is via timed ticket and includes a guided tour. The house is 8 miles southwest of Bristol, off the B3128.

Built in grand Gothic Revival style by the architect John Norton, it was in danger of collapse when the trust acquired it, but has since undergone extensive (and very expensive) renovations. Outside, work continues on the orangery and walled gardens.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Ashton Court Estate

3.17 MILES

This huge estate around 2 miles west of the city centre is Bristol's 'green lung', with 850 sprawling acres of oak woodland, trails and public park. It…

2. Leigh Woods

3.73 MILES

It may be tiny (under a square mile), but Leigh Woods squeezes a lot into a small space: ancient trees, snaking walking trails and corking Avon Gorge…

4. Clifton Suspension Bridge

4.01 MILES

Clifton's most famous (and photographed) landmark is the 76m-high Clifton Suspension Bridge, which spans the Avon Gorge. It was designed by master…

5. The Downs

4.04 MILES

The grassy parks of Clifton Down and Durdham Down (often referred to as just the Downs) fan out from the Clifton Suspension Bridge and make a fine spot…

6. Clifton Observatory & Camera Obscura

4.09 MILES

Set in a striking 18th-century windmill, Clifton Observatory features a viewing platform, a rare camera obscura and the cliff-side Giant's Cave. Together…

7. Giant's Cave

4.09 MILES

A natural cavern set beneath the Clifton Observatory & Camera Obscura. The cave mouth is set into the side of the cliff, offering spectacular views over…

8. Clifton

4.23 MILES

During the 18th and 19th centuries, wealthy Bristol merchants transformed the former spa resort of Clifton into an elegant hilltop suburb packed with…